26 • SLASH VXL
10
MAINTAINING YOUR MODEL
Your model requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top
running condition.
The following procedures should be taken
very seriously.
Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for:
1. Cracked, bent, or damaged parts
2. Check the wheels and steering for binding.
3. Check the operation of the shock absorbers.
4. Check the wiring for any frayed wires or loose connections.
5. Check the mounting of the receiver and servo(s) and
speed control.
6. Check the tightness of the wheel nuts with a wrench.
7. Check the operation of the radio system, especially the
condition of the batteries.
8. Check for any loose screws in the chassis structure
or suspension.
9. The steering servo saver will wear out over time. If the steering
becomes loose, the servo saver should be replaced.
10. Inspect the gears for wear, broken teeth, or debris lodged
between the teeth.
11. Check the tightness of the slipper clutch.
Other periodic maintenance:
•
Slipper clutch pads
(friction material):
Under normal use,
the friction material
in the slipper clutch
should wear very slowly.
If the thickness of any one of
the slipper clutch pads is 1.8mm or
less, the friction disc should be replaced.
Measure the pad thickness using calipers or
measuring against the diameter of the 1.5 and 2.0mm hex
wrenches provided with the model.
•
Chassis
: Keep the chassis clean of accumulated dirt and grime.
Periodically inspect the chassis for damage
•
Steering
: Over time, you may notice increased looseness in the
steering system. There are several components that will wear
out from use: the servo saver (Traxxas part #6845), the bellcrank
bearings (Traxxas part #5114), and the tie rod ends (Traxxas
part #2742). Replace these components as needed to restore
factory tolerances.
•
Motor
: Every 10-15 runs, remove the motor and clean the
bearings. To access the rear bearing, remove the plastic cap
with thumb pressure, or gently pry the cap off with a flat-blade
screwdriver. To prevent corrosion and ensure maximum bearing
life, lubricate the bearings with a light oil (available at your local
hobby store). Following these steps will extend motor life and
maintain peak performance.
•
Shocks
: Keep the oil level in the shocks full. Use only 100%
pure silicone shock oil to prolong the life of the seals. If you are
experiencing leakage around the top of the shock, inspect the
bladder in the top cap for signs of damage or distortion from
overtightening. If the bottom of the shock is leaking, then it
is time for a rebuild. The Traxxas rebuild kit for two shocks is
part #2362.
•
Suspension
: Periodically inspect the model for signs of damage,
such as bent or dirty suspension pins, bent turnbuckles, loose
screws, and any signs of stress or bending. Replace components
as needed.
•
Driveline
: Inspect the driveline for signs of wear, such as worn
drive yokes, dirty axle half shafts, and any unusual noise or
binding. If a U-joint pops apart, then it is time to replace the part.
Remove the gear cover, inspect the spur gear for wear, and check
the tightness of the set screws in the pinion gears. Tighten, clean,
or replace components as needed.
Storage
When you are through running the model for the day, blow it off
with compressed air or use a soft bristled paint brush to dust-off
the vehicle.
Always disconnect and remove the battery from the model
whenever the model is stored. If the model will be stored for a long
time, then also remove the batteries from the transmitter.
Always wear eye protection
when using compressed
air or spray cleaners and
lubricants.
